Blackpool Walkabout bar sold

Stonegate, which owns 692 pubs and bars including the Slug and Lettuce and Yates brands, now has 14,000 employees across the country after buying the bars from Intertain UK.

The Blackpool bar had a £3m refit following a fire in June 2013.

It said its people development programme will automatically be extended to all Walkabout employees demonstrating clear career paths and a bar to board progression ethos. The bar will continue to operate as usual with planned investments taking place across the brand in the next few years.

Simon Longbottom, Chief Executive of Stonegate, said: “We are delighted to be acquiring Walkabout which we have hand-picked for its complementary fit with our existing portfolio.

“This is another great acquisition for Stonegate and Walkabout’s strong association with sport is synonymous with Stonegate’s reputation in this market and further endorses our position as the leading provider of sports-led entertainment in the high street.

“We look forward to welcoming the employees of Walkabout into the company and working with them to drive the ongoing success of the business.”

Stonegate Pub Company is the largest private managed UK pub operator, with revenues in excess of £625m.

Its pubs are split into two divisions, Branded, comprising: Slug and Lettuce, Yates, Walkabout, Common Room and Venues; and Traditional comprising: Proper Pubs, Town Pub and Kitchen and Classic Inns.